He died in an August 16 helicopter crash northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Hornsby's father explained he attended Riverdale High School. He also attended and graduated from the University of South Florida, Fort Myers – what is now Florida Gulf Coast University.

"I saw his picture on the news this morning and couldn't believe it," said childhood friend Vicki Minor.

She says she remembers Hornsby as a shy guy surrounded by friends.

"He was a quiet, home town kind of kid - just everybody's buddy," Minor said. "I saw his picture on the news this morning and couldn't believe it."

Chief Warrant Officer Hornsby was married with two young children and his family is now making plans for a private memorial service.

He was deployed to Afghanistan in January of 2012.

Hornsby's father says he spoke to him on August 8, 2012 via Skype. Tuesday, he sent this email into our newsroom.

"CW3 Brian D. Hornsby was a loving and compassionate husband, father, son, brother and friend who never chose the easy path in life.

He joined the Army in 1998 as a Military Policeman with the ultimate dream of becoming a pilot. That dream became a reality in 2001 when he was selected for the Army Warrant Officer and Aviation Programs.

Brian certified as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in 2003 and has flown VIP missions in Europe, MEDEVAC missions in Honduras, Air Assault missions in Iraq, and Special Operations Support missions in Afghanistan during his Army Aviation career.

It was during one of the Special Operations missions that his helicopter went down. He was highly respected as "one of the best of the best pilots" and often requested by name to fly the really tough and dangerous missions. He never turned down that special opportunity because he knew it would save the lives of fellow servicemen.

He leaves behind his lovely wife and two very special young children. We miss him dearly."